Round 1 of the Australian Government's Regional Connectivity Program is providing $117.9 million in grants to boost regional connectivity, and has reached a significant milestone with the first set of projects now complete.
ACE Internet Services in NSW and Connected Farms in Roma, Queensland are the first Regional Connectivity Program grantees to have projects reach completion after they secured funding under Round 1.
These projects will provide:
- high definition video, data feed and communications for the Rural Fire Service and first responders in the Southern Highlands, as well as enabling the provision of high speed internet to areas of Canyonleigh and Sutton Forest in NSW.
- fixed wireless broadband internet to the region south of Roma, as well as a datacentre to provide improved data management for agribusinesses in the region.
The Regional Connectivity Program is helping to improve Australia’s economic security, equity, and growth by increasing access to key communications infrastructure in regional communities.
Australia is currently facing a digital and infrastructure access divide between those living in metropolitan areas and those living regionally. This prevents our regional communities from participating fully in the digital economy.
The Australian Government’s investment will allow communities to stay connected with families interstate and overseas, and build local businesses.
More than 130 projects have been funded through Round 1 of the Program, with all projects expected to be completed by mid-2023.
For more information about the Regional Connectivity Program, visit Regional Connectivity Program